the big hearted people of boston. residents, priests, shopkeepers, who carried victims in their arms and delivered water and blankets, lined up to give blood, opened their homes up to total strangers. and the heroic federal agents and police officers who worked together throughout the week, often at great risk to themselves, to keep our communities safe. as a country, we are eternally grateful for the profound sacrifices they make in the line of duty. sometimes making the ultimate sacrifice to defend the people they've sworn to protect. if anyone wants to know who we are, what america is, how we respond to evil and terror, that's it. selflessly, compassionately, and unafraid. through the days that would test even the strurdiest of souls, boston's spirit remains undaunted. america's spirit remains undimmed. our faith in each other and our love for this country, our common creed that cuts across whatever superficial differences we may have, that's what makes us strong. that's why we endure. in the days to come, we will